Wage Cuts Coming For Detroit Police, Fire Supervisors

DETROIT (WWJ) – Detroit’s financial crisis apparently taking its toll on the police and fire departments — with supervisors preparing for cuts in several areas, starting in August.

Mark Young, head of the Police Lieutenants and Sergeants Association, said he’s been informed that there will be a 10 percent wage cut, cuts in overtime, and longevity pay for fire and police lieutenants, sergeants and investigators.

Fire Department employees will see smaller paychecks starting next week and the police department soon afterwards.

“I think that there should have been other ways to cut,” Young told WWJ Newsradio 950’s Stephanie Davis. “I think these guys … that the citizens and the city is counting on to provide those services — that’s not where it should have came from.”

“My guys have already not had a raise in four-and-a-half years,” Young added. “And many of them are already struggling to provide for their families.”

Young fears many of his members will see this as more reason to retire now — which will have an impact on the department as well.

“I have 164 members that have over 25 years of service — of dedicated and professional, distinguished service to the city of Detroit,” he said. “Those 164 distinguished members can retire at any time.”

Crushed under an estimated $18 billion in long-term debt, Detroit came under the control of a state-appointed emergency financial manager. Earlier this month, he filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection, with Gov, Rick Snyder’s approval, on behalf of the city.